Wenger drops hint over Pires deal

Pires rules out January transfer

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hinted he may compromise over the length of a new contract for Robert Pires when they begin negotiations in January.

The 32-year-old's deal runs out in the summer, which means he is entitled to talk to other clubs from 1 January.

Arsenal have had a policy of only offering one-year contracts to players who are over the age of 30 but Pires wants to secure a two-year deal.

But Wenger said: "You can always have exceptions. He is an important player."

The Arsenal manager added: "He has always been a big part of our team.

"He is in and out at the moment but you expect that during this period and at that age sometimes as well you need a breather.

"In January, we will sit together and we will try to have a good chat."

Pires joined Arsenal from Marseille in July 2000 for £6m.